This course will be an introductory look at the psychological development of human beings across the life span.  Focus of this course is on the major domains of development, including the (1) Physical, (2) Cognitive, and (3) Psychological/Emotional domains.  The emphasis will be upon the latter two domains, with less attention given to the physical aspects of development, maturity, and aging.  The course will also give more weight to the “outcomes” of development, being less concerned with the detailed steps of the developmental process.  Course material will essentially follow the outline of your textbook, but additional material may be presented from time to time.  Thus, keeping up with the readings (about one chapter per week, sometimes more) AND class attendance will be important for success.

Grading:

Grades will be based primarily upon four tests, given at about four week intervals, with the last test being considered the “final exam.”  Material to be covered will be clearly stated, and the type of test will also be made known in advance, though most likely multiple choice, short answer, objective questions will make up the bulk of test items.  Some essay questions may be given, depending upon the nature of the class.  If such questions are used, that will be announced in advance of the test.  Each exam is worth 150 points.

A fifth grade, 200 points, will be awarded based upon completion of a paper.  The paper will be 1750 - 2500 words using double-spaced pages addressing a major topic or issue in developmental psychology, as it applies to you, or someone you know.  The paper will be due Nov 19th.  Because the Department of Psychology at MSU emphasizes the importance of written work, these papers will be read critically.  Please allow yourself enough time to review and perhaps re-draft the paper before turning it in.  In addition to content, the “clarity” of your communication with the instructor will be a major factor in assigning a grade.  That is, you must write well to do well.  To minimize unpleasant surprises, a proposal, identifying the topic or issue to be addressed, and the student’s approach, MUST be signed off in advance by the instructor prior to the first test.  (The interested student will, of course, complete their proposals early.)  A “Proposal Guide” to aid students in preparing for their papers may be found on page 4 of this syllabus.  Title page, abstract and bibliography do not count in the page total.  (12 point Times New Roman font – 1” margins).  Papers less than 1750 words (body of the text) will be graded as a zero. Please do not shoot for a minimum and expect a great grade.  As in life, exceed the minimum and strive for excellence.

A sixth grade of 200 points will be awarded based upon completion of four journal article reviews (50 points each).  I will provide the journal articles via D2L.  Reviews will be at least 900 words in length not counting name and bibliographic information.  1 inch margins double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font. ).  Reviews less than 900 words (body of the text) will be graded as a zero. As with the paper - please do not shoot for a minimum and expect a great grade.  As in life, exceed the minimum and strive for excellence.

Journal 1 – 9/18

Journal 2 – 10/9

Journal 3 – 10/30

Journal 4 – 11/20

Paper is due 11/20

Test 1 Chapters 1 – 3

Test 2 Chapters 4 – 7

Test 3 Chapters 8 – 11

Test 4 Chapters 12 - epilogue

The following scale will be used to grade tests, your paper, and your class participation (1000 points total):

            90 – 100%       =          A

            80 – 89%         =          B

            70 – 79%         =          C

            60 – 69%         =          D

            0 – 59%           =          F

NO GRADES WILL BE DROPPED IN CALCULATING COURSE GRADES.

Make-up tests:  Students who miss one or more tests due to absences will be allowed to schedule make-up exams with permission of the Instructor. There will be no grade penalty for exams missed due to an excused absence.  A 25 -point penalty will be assessed for exams missed due to unexcused absences.  Excused absences come from the Dean of Students.  Written work will not be accepted late – no exceptions (really means no exception).  Please turn written work in early. I will not accept emailed work.

Class attendance is expected!  Schedule problems can usually be worked out, but must be discussed IN ADVANCE.  Bona fide emergencies do sometimes occur, but must be discussed with the instructor as soon as possible after the emergency absence.

IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN FOUR (4) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THIS CLASS WITH A GRADE OF “F”.

An absence may be excused ONLY if the student complies with, or provides one of the following:

a.         Negotiates approval for the absence with the instructor IN ADVANCE, or in the case of a legitimate emergency, as soon as is reasonable.

b.         Presents a written excuse from a physician or the MSU Infirmary via the Dean of Students

c.         Presents written evidence of participation in a mandatory University function (Band, Choir, Sports, etc.)

d.         Presents written evidence of attendance at a recognized professional meeting or professional educational program.

e.         Presents a written excuse from a physician for a dependent child’s illness via the Dean of Students.

Late work not accepted.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.